@ZAPunter takes a look at the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal which takes place on Saturday 24th August
LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL, SATURDAY 18.30
All eyes will be on Anfield this weekend as Liverpool host Arsenal in what is the stand out Premier League fixture in game week 3. Both sides have started well, winning both their respective opening matches and will set out to make a statement on Saturday. Liverpool will want to cement their place at the top of the league and put some early distance on Manchester City. Arsenal will be trying to prove the doubters wrong and finally getting an away win vs a top 6 opponent. Liverpool showed their class during the first half against Norwich and getting a hard away win at Southampton after their Super Cup Triumph. Arsenal haven’t outplayed any of their opponents, thus far, but this is a results business. This should be another classic tactical battle on Saturday.
LIVERPOOL:
Jurgen Klopp will be more than satisfied after getting maximum points and a Super Cup in a tricky 2 weeks of football to start the season. Liverpool remain clinical in front of goal, but there has been a few cracks in defence, which is common at the start of the season. Liverpool sits top of the table and will know points against top 6 opponents will be vital in their bid for the title. Liverpool average xGf is 1.76 and xGa 1.76, clearly they have created less opportunities and conceded more than the average last season, but with a week to prepare without distractions they should be ready. Liverpool will without a doubt make the Premier League their main focus this season and I expect them going all out in every game.
ARSENAL:
The Gunners will need to improve on their performance if they have any chance of challenging for the top 4. During the first 2 matches they were on the back foot a lot and couldn’t really play “the Arsenal way”, but rather getting the results with individual brilliance. Going to Anfield on Saturday will be a much tougher task and Liverpool will be clinical. Arsenal’s xGf is 1.12 and xGa 1.18, showing that Arsenal were lucky to get maximum points out of both encounters. There were some bright sparks will Ceballos and Pepe dazzling the crowd, but will they be able to have that much time and space vs the Reds?
PROBABLE LINE-UPS AND TEAM NEWS:
Liverpool: 4-3-3
Adrian,
Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson,
Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson,
Salah, Firmino, Mane.
*Alisson still out injured, Lovren and Keita doubtful.
Arsenal: 4-3-3
Leno,
Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Monreal,
Guendouzi, Xhaka, Ceballos,
Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
*Ozil has recovered from illness, but will have to find a place on the bench. Youngsters Willock and Nelson should be moved to the bench.
PREDICTION:
I expect the Reds to defeat Arsenal and that we see goals in this encounter. This will be a statement game for Liverpool as they want to add more pressure on Manchester City who only play on Sunday. Arsenal’s performances have been below par and with the pressure Liverpool will apply from the get go they will struggle to establish their game-plan. When you look at both team’s front 3 on their own, you can expect goals in this encounter. The reason I’m not taking Liverpool on the handicap is I believe that it will be high scoring and the safer option will be a combination bet.
BETTING:
Liverpool Win & Over 2.5 Goals – 1.80 @ BetOlimp
Current Premier League Record: Week 1 – Week 2
Overall Record: 4-4 (-0.59 Units)
Best Bet Record: 2-0 (+2.19 Units)
Last Week: 3-1 (+0.97 Units)
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
@ZAPunter
